Carrot Cake Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This carrot cake is a crowd-pleaser, with its perfect balance of sweetness and spice. You’ll love how easy it is to make, even if you’re new to baking.

• Moist and flavorful: Packed with fresh carrots and warm spices, every bite is soft and delicious.
• Creamy frosting: The rich cream cheese topping adds a smooth, tangy finish that’s irresistible.
• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples, so you can whip it up without a special trip to the store.

Recipe

Indulge in the rich, moist, and flavorful delight of a classic carrot cake, perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with warm spices, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistible. Topped with a creamy frosting, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated.
4. Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and pineapple (if using). Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes for round pans or 35-40 minutes for a rectangular pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
8. Once the cakes are cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake.

Notes:

• For a lighter texture, substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
• Store the cake in the refrigerator if frosted with cream cheese frosting.

Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Serving: 12 slices

Nutrition

Carrot cake is a delicious dessert that also offers some nutritional benefits. Here’s the breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love topping my carrot cake with rich cream cheese frosting—it’s the perfect sweet, tangy match. A cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee works wonders with each bite. If you’re feeling fancy, try spiced chai tea for a cozy twist.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Once you’ve baked your carrot cake, the creamy tang of cream cheese frosting takes it to the next level, but don’t stop there—this frosting pairs with more than just cake. Try it on cinnamon rolls, pumpkin bread, or even graham crackers for a quick treat. For cream cheese variations, swap in mascarpone for extra richness or add a splash of vanilla for depth. My go-to frosting tip? Beat the butter and cream cheese until fluffy, then slowly add powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute. This frosting’s versatility makes it a kitchen superstar.

Beverage Pairings

When you’re diving into a slice of carrot cake, it’s easy to forget about what’s in your glass, but the right drink can really make the whole experience pop. Coffee pairings are my go-to—rich, dark roast complements the cake’s sweetness perfectly. If I’m feeling fancy, a latte with a hint of cinnamon works wonders. On cozy afternoons, I reach for tea options like chai or spiced black tea; their warmth balances the cake’s spices just right. Sometimes, I even try a creamy chai latte—it’s like dessert in a cup. Trust me, these pairings won’t let you down!